Antique French Backgammon Board: Walnut Marquetry Chess, Circa 1900

This is a lovely example of an early 20th century French backgammon board. A fine dark-walnut backgammon game probably dating from around 1900, this is a full-size board measuring (open), 72 cms (28”) long, by 53 cms (21”) wide. The outer surface of the board has a beautiful marquetry (inlaid wood) chess board. This game is in extremely good condition. The playing pieces are 2” (5cm) diameter and made from French boxwood and have the beautiful grain and patina that comes from hundreds of games played. Fun fact : Boxwood is an exceptionally hard wood, native to France, that was also used to make the early French 'boules'. The two matching leather dice cups also have a terrific patina from many generations of use. This set comes complete with two sets of tasteful modern dice (I can swap these for the original bone dice at no charge if you prefer - but please bear in mind that these are inevitably somewhat smaller and almost always slightly irregular as they were made by hand). I would also be happy to include a modern doubling cube if you wish. The game has been fully restored, and this time I did choose to replace the original baize playing surface which had significant moth damage. The new classical, billiard-table green, baize playing surface is custom-made for me in Belgium from 100% Merino wool and the 'points' are embroidered using ochre and black silk thread. The quality of the craftsmanship is quite remarkable - and the 'slide' of the backgammon 'stones' is delightful. (Fun fact : It then takes me a full day to remove the old baize, clean and prepare the surfaces - and then precision-cut and fit the new baize playing surface in place).

Since I started restoring antique and vintage backgammon boards during the Covid lockdown in early 2020 I’ve sold over 500 of my games to connoisseurs in South Africa, Sweden, Hong Kong, Scotland, the Balearic Islands, Canada, Australia, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Monaco, Mauritius, England, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, and of course my home-country, France ... but also in New York, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Alabama, Virginia, Colorado, Tennessee, Washington state, New Hampshire, Idaho, Wyoming, Texas, Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, California, Oregon, Maine, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Maryland, Georgia, Alaska and Puerto Rico. My clients include minor European royalty; national and international backgammon champions; people who can’t play backgammon; British, Austrian, Italian and French aristocracy … and an awful lot of people who just love to play backgammon on these beautiful, historically-charged boards. In addition to the 150+ verified 5-star reviews here on my site, I will happily provide you with contact details for some of my private clients if you so wish.

NOTA : I usually have a variety of vintage instruction / rules booklets, for backgammon and jacquet, in French or English - please ask if you would like me to include one, free of charge, with your game. CHESS PIECES : I do not keep a stock of matching chess pieces to go with my backgammon boards - but I know someone who does ! If you are interested in vintage or antique chess pieces to match your board I will happily introduce you to a friend, who is also based in Europe. He is to antique chess pieces - what I am to antique backgammon. Please feel free to send me a message and I'll be happy to put you in touch directly. DELIVERY : Please note that within France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and some other European countries my usual shipper is Mondial Relay which normally delivers to a 'collection point' (Relay Point) close to your home. For the rest of the world, I generally use FedEx, and the norm is home delivery. I can offer expedited delivery to most destinations. If you don't see this option please message me and I'll give you a rapid quote. INSURANCE : Please note that I do not automatically insure my boards for shipping above the 50€ minimum international cover. My shipper is highly reliable and I very rarely have issues, but accidents can always happen. If you would like me to insure your purchase to its full value there will be a small charge. Please let me know by message and I will set this up.